I originally updated from the free edition to 6.1 in order to start work on an orchestral score. While inputting pizzicato notes I suddenly realised that they now sounded like pizzicato. This did not apply when playing back scores input through the free edition. Then I read the release info for 6.2 and upgraded to that edition. Now when I play back a score for flute and clarinet duo, which I had input and repeatedly played back with no problems under the free edition, the result is suddenly diabolical. The echoes reverberate long after they should subside, giving an insufferably blurred and tinny tone colour.
What part of the system is taking liberties with features that should not have been tweaked? Do you recommend the 6.022 update as a fix?
Sorry, but I am a complete beginner when it comes to navigating through this process. I do not see anything like Play > Playback on the Dorico menus that I am using for note entry. The last time I tried to play around with Halion Sonic menus, I became totally lost in a blind alley, despite having watched the video three times. I think I was rescued by an automatic software update; this was around the same time that I started hearing the pizzicato rendered authentically in my orchestral score. Can you give me more detailed instructions please?
The ‘free’ edition (Dorico SE) uses GM sounds for most playback (the sting patches cannot play pizzicato).
When you use the Auto playback template, Dorico chooses what it considers to be the best template from the available factory sounds that you have installed (most likely the Iconica Sketch sounds).
Yes, they will sound very different.
If you hit the Show All Factory button on the Playback Template dialogue, you will see a number of different templates. If you want to return to the ‘free’ SE template, choose the one called HALion Sonic Selection.
From different versions of Dorico? Ie Older Halion Sonic etc.? No. And you could get yourself in a situation for lots of reasons from changes to bug fixes. I don’t mean to say that that mixing in other non-Dorico included libraries isn’t a good idea, because it often is a great idea. Instruments from spitfire, Vienna etc or synths. I was reminded recently of how powerful the full Halion is - Halion sonic is just a taster..
If you mean can you use several different sample libraries for a variety of instruments, e.g. Iconica for some instruments, Garritan GPO5 for others, Spitfire BBCSO, Vienna Symphony, NotePerformer, etc, etc – then absolutely Yes!
I’m glad that you were able to find a solution. I just wish to add that, even if the Playback Template showed Auto, sometimes just Applying the template again (after an upgrade or OS change) may solve a sound problem.
Agreed, it’s very common that I’ll receive a file from someone else, and a playback template is highlighted… but re-applying it totally fixes the playback.
